transitive. American Football. To collect the ball from (a kick-off or punt by the opposing team) and carry it upfield; to intercept (a pass) or…

American Football and Canadian Football. To put (the ball) in play by passing it quickly backwards to begin a scrimmage; to make a snap (sense 5g)…

transitive and intransitive. American Football and Canadian Football. To advance (the ball) in successive plays from scrimmage.

transitive. American Football. Originally: to return (the ball) to the centre of the pitch (now disused). Later: to put (the ball) in play by…

transitive. Sport (originally North American). To lose possession of (the ball or puck) to the opposing team; to give away (possession) in this way.

transitive. To turn or change into something of different form or properties; to transform. Rugby. To kick a goal from (a try); also absol.…

transitive. To pass (the ball) backwards or to the side. Also (in extended use): to throw (an object) in the manner of a lateral pass.

North American. Sport. To catch or field (a ball); to receive (a pass).

an underarm, forward pass made with a shovelling movement of the arms; so as v. transitive and intransitive.

intransitive. American Football. To execute a ‘bootleg’ (bootleg, n. additions 2); to turn sharply in the course of this. Also transitive, with ball…

North American Sport (esp. American Football and Baseball). transitive. To throw, kick, or hit (the ball) so that it travels only a short distance…

American Football. Of a player in possession of the ball, esp. the quarterback or the receiver of a kick: to down the ball intentionally by kneeling…

American Football. To throw (the ball) down hard on its end, causing it to bounce up spectacularly, esp. in triumph after scoring a touchdown.